Recommended Viewing

YouTube continues to deliver a plethora of tabletop related videos this month. Experience Points finished up the second season of its titular series and teased a third season, then began delivering an excellent new series. Thanks to folks on Twitter I also discovered some new channels and shows in the last few weeks. Let’s take a look at some of what I’m watching right now.

Before we do, though, I want to say thank-you to local artist Tsukino Hikaru (@mystarseed) for my swell new Twitter and blog icon. It was time for an update to my still excellent old chibi icon, and I think this is the perfect replacement. If you’re interested in getting some art done for yourself, I highly recommend checking them out.

On with the show!

All Hail Yog – As mentioned, Experience Points wrapped its latest season with a heartwarming finale. Rather than have us stare into the void until the hoped for Season 3, they have delivered a new series aimed at the darkness in all of us. All Hail Yog is an actual play series focused on a group of evil characters carrying out the will of their patron, Yog. Set in the same campaign world featured in the Experience Points series, we follow four truly despicable villains as they work together to steal a newborn elven child, heir to the Wood Elf throne. The shows feature Timothy J. Meyer as the DM, with equal measures scenery chewing and subtle menace from the four players (Kate Enge as Agnoment, Heather Lore as Desdemonia Malice, Cody Bushee as Dr. Hughbert, and Paul Vonasek as Erick Idylvain) Why does Yog want the child? Can our, er, heroes worm their way into the Elven kingdom and steal the child? Will the Doctor’s Beloved get her deer ear? Find out in this interesting look at what the villains get up to while the heroes are away.

The Crafting Muse – I’m always on the look-out for new TRPG crafting inspiration, so when I received a recommendation for this channel I was intrigued. Having watched a number of videos now, I can honestly say The Crafting Muse is now in my top five crafting resources online! Her videos mix clear instructions, obvious skill, and interesting projects in an almost perfect blend. Every video I’ve watched so far has included something which would enhance my gaming table and impress my players. Alongside the usual table top terrain builds, you can also find videos on dice towers, dice bags, custom notebooks and more. Regardless of your skill level as a crafter you will find a broad range of projects you can jump into. The host, Vee, is a funny and charming instructor, and has worked to build a positive community around her channel. Besides YouTube, you can find The Crafting Muse on Facebook, and join in on Wednesday live streams to meet other crafters. All in all, a great channel and a great experience.

Be Bold Games – As much as I love watching board game actual plays, sometimes I just need a quick, easily digestible breakdown of a game. Be Bold Games delivers that for me, in a fun, earnest way that I find uplifting. Almost every video is under ten minutes, and many are under five, perfect for getting a snapshot of a board game. And every video is packed with her obvious enthusiasm for board games! From the costume and setting designs right down to the various themed presentations, Bebo’s love of the material shines through, and that is inspiring. Her game summaries are clear and concise, and just what I need to decide if a game is in my wheelhouse. I particularly love her focus on accessibility and inclusivity, two key lenses for anyone in games media. Besides excellent game summaries, you can also find product reviews and interviews with game designers and publishers. If you love board games I highly recommend this channel. You can do worse than to start your day with a coffee and a Be Bold Games video.

That’s three from me, but I want to hear from you! What are you watching right now that inspires you? Drop a comment below and share!

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